THE friends and neighbours of murdered dad Mike Grimshaw held a vigil outside his Sale Moor home last night.

Thirty-four year old Mike's pals lit candles and placed flowers outside his Royton Avenue home for the poignant tribute.

Scores of people attended the gathering.

Mike died after being stabbed in the neck at about 11.10pm on Thursday after confronting youths who had been causing trouble on the street.

Mike's friend and neighbour, Vincent Bowyer, who attended the four hour vigil, said: "He was brilliant. He was outgoing and very helpful to everyone.

"I won't forget him."

Vincent said Mike had lived in the road for about three years.

Mike was stabbed in front of his partner Michelle, who he was engaged to.

Vincent said his son, Andrew, 23, was there when Mike was stabbed and gave unsuccessful chase to the suspected offender before helping other neighbours, as they tried to resuscitate Mike while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

Mike and Michelle were due to get married within weeks.

Vincent said of the attack: "You don't expect something like this on your doorstep."

Tributes to Mike have been written on a Manchester United shirt draped over his garden fence next to the flowers and candles.

There is also a poignant poem signed by 'Your brother Richard, which reads: "To my good friend Mike, words could never explain, All the happiness, joy and comfort, You delivered into my sister's life when you came.

"So special he was he seeked people out, he seen that people were down and also in doubt.

"Then made that his mission to turn that around, Just a beautiful man for not a penny nor pound.

"Have lots of good memories and lots of good times, few cheeky beers and you on that red wine.

"Deep conversation and feelings exchanged, and those I will keep in my heart and always remain."

Detective Chief Inspector Estelle Mathieson, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “We have had a fantastic response from the public that has provided a number of positive lines of enquiry but we still need the community’s help to find the men responsible for taking the life of this young man and leaving his child to grow up without a dad.

“Only a few hours have passed since this tragic turn of events occurred.  Our thoughts are with his family at the difficult time and they continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

“I would urge anyone who either witnessed the incident itself or has information that would help us, to get in contact.

“We will always treat information with the strictest of confidence and you can pass information to us anonymously but please, do it as a matter of urgency.”

* A 16-year-old boy has been released on bail pending further enquiries by police investigating Mike's death.

Anyone with information should contact 0161 856 777 quoting reference number 2327 of 20/07/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.